Strain release connector for an overhead electrical wire

ABSTRACT

A strain release connector for an overhead electrical wire includes a first connector part securable to the overhead electrical wire with a fixed clamping force, and a second connector part cooperable with the first connector part and securable to a service cable with an adjustable clamping force, less than the fixed clamping force. The second connector part has at least one strain adjustment screw for modifying the adjustable clamping force. The adjustable clamping force is set by the at least one strain adjustment screw such that the second connector part is configured to release the service cable upon an application of a predetermined tension force.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/418,972 filed Jan. 30, 2017, which is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/546,575 filed Nov. 18, 2014, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,601,910, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/905,696, filed Nov. 18, 2013, the entire contents ofeach of which are hereby incorporated by reference in this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

(NOT APPLICABLE)

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a releasable connector for an overheadelectrical wire and, more particularly, to a releasable connectorassembly including strain adjustment screws that provide for controlledbreakage (conductive separation) of an overhead electrical wire upon anapplication of a predetermined tension force.

Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to causeserious injury or death. Downed power lines can result from variouscauses including fallen trees during a storm, high winds, car accidentsinto utility poles, and the like. It is also possible for wire tensionto cause utility pole breakage, resulting in multiple downed powerlines.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It would be desirable to prevent the dangers associated with downedpower lines.

A strain release connector according to the described embodiments servesas a release point in the event of increased tension on an overheadelectrical wire where the strained wire will pull away from the torquedside of the connector and fall to the ground de-energized, leaving theother side of the wire that is crimped into the connector, intactoverhead and energized. The connectors also serve to reduce thepotential for pole breakage, reduce the potential for service masts tobe pulled away from homes and buildings, accommodate more services pertakeoff location than conventional crimping in crowded areas, isolatehigh hazard areas from the risks of downed energized wires, and lessenthe hazards caused by dig-ins. No break-away devices presently exist inelectric utility infrastructure, and these devices have widespread andversatile applications throughout their aerial and underground networksfrom transmission to service voltages.

In an exemplary embodiment, a strain release connector for an overheadelectrical wire includes a first connector part securable to theoverhead electrical wire with a fixed clamping force, and a secondconnector part cooperable with the first connector part and securable toa service cable with an adjustable clamping force, less than the fixedclamping force. The second connector part has at least one strainadjustment screw for modifying the adjustable clamping force. Theadjustable clamping force is set by the at least one strain adjustmentscrew such that the second connector part is configured to release theservice cable upon an application of a predetermined tension force.

The first connector part may include a two-piece block that sandwichesthe overhead electrical wire. The two-piece block may be secured byconnectors. The second connector part may be formed along at least partof a perimeter of the two-piece block, where the second connector partmay include a plurality of strain adjustment screws respectivelysecuring a corresponding plurality of service cables. Each of the piecesof the two-piece block may include a groove, where the grooves may beoriented in facing alignment to define an elongated channel. In thiscontext, the overhead electrical wire may be securable in the elongatedchannel. The second connector part further may include a plurality ofservice ports with wire ends thereof releasably coupled with thetwo-piece block and secured by the plurality of strain adjustment screwsin direct contact compression on the wire ends.

The first connector part may include a two-piece block that sandwichesthe overhead electrical wire, where the two-piece block may be securedby connectors. The second connector part may be formed along at leastpart of a perimeter of the two-piece block, where the second connectorpart may include a single strain adjustment screw securing acorresponding single service cable.

In some embodiments, the first connector part and the second connectorpart may be integrated in opposite ends of a conductor sleeve. In thiscontext, the first connector part may be configured to receive theoverhead electrical wire and may include a crimp section for locking theoverhead electrical wire therein. The second connector part may beconfigured to receive and releasably secure the service cable with thestrain adjustment screw.

In another exemplary embodiment, an overhead electrical wire assemblyincludes an electrical pole; an electric wire secured to the pole; aservice cable connected with the electric wire and coupleable with aservice location; and the strain release connector connected between theelectric wire and the service cable.

In a preferred construction, when the service cable is released upon theapplication of the predetermined tension force, current in the servicecable is disconnected.

With the conductor sleeve, placement of the strain release connectorrelative to the electrical pole is such that when the service cable isreleased upon the application of the predetermined tension force, theelectric wire is not ground accessible and is short enough to preventcontact with other grounded or energized pole attachments.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method of releasably connectingan overhead electrical wire includes the steps of cutting the wire todefine a line side wire and a load side wire; securing a first connectorpart to the line side wire by crimping; securing a second connectorpart, cooperable with the first connector part, to the load side wirewith an adjustable clamping force, the second connector part includingat least one strain adjustment screw; and adjusting the adjustableclamping force with the at least one strain adjustment screw such thatthe second connector part is configured to release the load side wireupon an application of a predetermined tension force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and advantages will be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary utility pole supporting overhead power lines;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a strain release connector with multiple servicedrops for a plurality of homes/buildings;

FIG. 3 shows a single service drop strain release connector;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an in-line strain release connector; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B show exemplary applications in an open-wire service.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows exemplary overhead power lines 12 attached to a utilitypole 14. With existing power line assemblies, the overhead electricalwires 12 are susceptible to breakage due to storms and the like,resulting in hazardous downed power lines.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an exemplary strain release connector 16 for anoverhead electrical wire that serves as a controlled release point inthe event that the electrical wires are subjected to an application of apredetermined tension force. The strain release connector 16 includes ablock assembly 18, preferably constructed in two parts (e.g., an upperpart and a lower part). The block 18 includes an elongatedwire/messenger channel 20 that receives an overhead electricalwire/messenger cable 22. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2Aand 2B, the two-piece block 18 sandwiches the overhead electricalwire/messenger cable 22. Each of the pieces of the two-piece block 18includes a groove oriented in facing alignment to define the elongatedchannel 20 in which the overhead electrical wire/messenger cable 22 maybe secured. The block 18 is clamped together over the messenger cable 22via suitable connectors 24 such as screws or the like. The block 18serves as a first connector part securable to the overhead electricalwire/messenger cable 22 with a fixed clamping force.

A plurality of service ports 26 are defined by cavities in the side ofthe block 18. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the strainrelease connector 16 provides service for multiple homes/buildings (ten(10) total service ports 26 are included in the block 18 shown in FIG.2A). Perpendicular to and in line from above each service port is astrain adjustment screw 30 in direct contact with the cable that isinserted in the service port 26 as an adjustable holding force on thecable. The strain adjustment screws 30 serve to adjust a clamping forceon the service wires (via the service ports 26 in FIG. 2A). The strainadjustment screws 30 set an adjustable clamping force that is less thanthe fixed clamping force on the overhead electrical wire/messenger cable22 so that the block 18 is configured to release wires secured in theservice ports 26 and thereby release the respective service cables uponan application of a predetermined tension force on the service cables.The service ports 26 and the strain adjustment screws 30 define a secondconnector part that is cooperable with the first connector part. Thesecond connector part is thus formed along at least part of a perimeterof the two-piece block 18 as shown.

The strain adjustment screws 30 are set according to a weight of theservice cables plus a preset buffer to account for winds or othernatural causes of tension force on the service cables. That is, theweight of the service cables per linear foot is known, and increments ofpressure per linear foot of service cable can be determined. In anexemplary embodiment, an additional 15-20% is added to accommodatevarious causes of tension force on the service cables, and the strainadjustment screws 30 are set accordingly.

In use, in the event that a tree branch or the like imparts a tensionforce on the service cable that exceeds the predetermined tension force,the service cable is released (pulled away) from the block 18. In thismanner, the electrical wire that falls to the ground would bede-energized, thereby preventing a potentially hazardous situation.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative strain release connector that is suitablefor securing a service cable for a single house. The connector 116similarly includes a two-piece block 118 sandwiched over an overheadelectrical wire/messenger cable 122. The two pieces of the two-pieceblock 118 are secured via suitable connectors 124 such as screws or thelike. In this embodiment, the second connector part includes a singlestrain adjustment screw 130 that provides an adjustable holding force ona single service cable 129. The assembly 116 shown in FIG. 3 functionsin a similar manner to that of the strain release connector 16 shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, the block with one or multiple“plugs” will always have the line-side wire in the channel and servicecables attached at each or some of the plugs—which will always be on theload side. The block with multiple ports (FIG. 2A), and the block with asingle port (FIG. 3) are both installed at “service taps” or “servicetake-offs” and can replace conventional methods for tapping such ascrimping for example. A block with a single “port” for a load sideconductor or service cable can serve a typical residence having oneservice cable going to it (which consists of one neutral and twosecondary voltage phases at 120 volts each). The multi-block can beconfigured with two ports or as many as five on each side. Inhigh-density urban areas, up to four crimped service taps are theconventional maximum, so to have five ports on each side would allow forten service taps from one location—five on one side of the street, andfive on the other.

As described above, the line-side wire that is running pole-to-pole iswhat will be sandwiched in the groove or channel. It can be themessenger or system neutral, or it can be a “phase” such as in A, B or Cphase of energized conductor that travel with the messenger where thosephases also have taps to serve customers. (The term overhead electricalwire in the present description is intended to encompass“messenger/neutral or phase” or “messenger/conductor”). These line-sidewires can also be considered the “host” wires. The strain release blockwill be secured to the host wire (messenger/neutral or phase) firmly byfour connectors such as bolts, one in each corner (or two connectors forthe single block in FIG. 3), in an essentially permanent fashion. Thehost cable is intended to remain intact and energized. Therefore, wherethe block is located along the host cable is not significant—its fielddetermined based on where best to tap for the service wire to the housesor buildings.

The load side, or service take-off side, will be torque-adjusted with ascrew-down force holding the service wire in its port at a certaintension, so that it will be the load side service cable that breaks awayunder strain, falling to the ground de-energized. The device is onlygoing to release the service cable(s) that are under strain, and theywill become de-energized as they break away.

FIG. 4A shows an in-line connector 216 where the first connector partand the second connector part are integrated in opposite ends of aconductor sleeve 218. The first connector part is configured to receivethe line side of any wire (overhead electrical wire, messenger cable, orservice cable) 222 and includes a crimped section 223 for locking thatside of the wire 222 in the sleeve 218. The second connector part isconfigured to receive and releasably secure the load side of the samewire 229 with the strain adjustment screw 230.

The strain release connector 216 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is suitablefor high-voltage applications. It can be used on primary open wireconductors, service lash/insulated cables, secondary voltage cables andfor all system neutrals and messenger cables. In use, the strain releaseconnector 216 is preferably strategically positioned so that the releasepoint of any energized electrical wire is maintained close enough to theutility pole in the event of breakage to prevent a hazardous situation.For example, the connector 216 may be secured to the overhead electricalwire 222 very close to the pole connection (e.g., 12-24 inches) suchthat upon release of the load side wire 229, the energized line side ofthe same wire 222 is short enough to avoid contact with any groundingmatter (i.e., other energized wires or pole top equipment or vehicles orpeople below). The line side will remain in the air, in the clear, andthe de-energized load side wire 229 falls to the ground.

The in-line connector will always be installed (like a sleeve) on asingle wire (so the terminology herein referring to the wire can beoverhead electrical wire-line side and overhead electrical wire-loadside, or messenger/neutral or phase—line side, messenger/neutral orphase—load side, or messenger/conductor-load side,messenger/conductor-line side), which can be running pole-to-pole orfrom pole-to building. (A service cable is still a messenger/conductor).FIG. 4B shows an exemplary pole to pole application used on a primaryspacer cable. The line side 222 extends from the pole to the strainrelease connector 216, and the load side 229 extends to an oppositepole. Spacer brackets 232 hold the phases apart and are heldby/suspended off the messenger/neutral conductor above. The primaryspacer cable includes three primary high voltage wires identified asphases A-B-C. It may only have one phase being held/suspended off amessenger/neutral conductor above, or may be a phase by itself when theneutral runs below at secondary height.

FIGS. 5A and B show exemplary applications of the in-line strain releaseconnector 216 in an open-wire service where each wire extends from theutility pole to the house or other service location independently (FIG.5A) and in the same configuration for wires running from pole to pole(FIG. 5B) (instead of pole to house or business) for open wire primaryor any size wire up to any voltage in an aerial application.

The blocks or sleeves 18, 118, 218 may be formed of aluminum or copperor another suitable material. In some embodiments, the block may beassembled in two parts, including a top part and a bottom part withbolts on all four corners (or two bolts on opposite sides for the singleblock 118). The bolts may be torqued sufficiently to make a solidone-piece connection to the running-through host cable. This type ofconnection also benefits from the size of the block being of sufficientmass/bulk that it will be able to easily conduct any returned/unbalancedcurrents back to the power system. With the block parts tightlycompressing against the host cable, in effect, the mass of the block isintended to become part of the host cable, thereby improving its heatdissipation. Since overheating results from overload, inferior size orloose connections, these aspects are addressed by adding mass via thealuminum or copper block and by the tightly torqued block screw or boltsat all four corners or opposing sides. Additionally, the space allowance(diameter) inside the block for the host cable will be sized slightlyinferior to the host cable size to facilitate good contact along thelength of the cable within the block, which will prevent any heatbuildup.

FIGS. 5A and 5B apply in the same configuration for transmission,primary or secondary voltages; any size wire up to any voltage in anaerial or underground application. The in-line connector is highlyversatile in its safety applications because it can be installedanywhere along a wire when hazardous conditions warrant; on the mainlines, the branch lines, and the service lines. The load side is alwaysthe point beyond the release connector device. In an aerial application,the device should be installed 12-24 inches from the line side pole,where it will be crimped on the line side not to break and stayenergized with the device still attached, and adjustably-torqued on theload side that is permitted to break/conductively separate and fall awayde-energized, where it can be laying on the ground safely. Whenevergoing over or around sensitive areas such as crossing railroads,highways, school zones, fuel facilities, backyards, over residentialproperties, or high volume pedestrian areas, parks, wet locations, heavytree conditions, etc., the need for a downed wire to be able to breakaway de-energized from its source power is highest. The undergroundapplication works in the event of a dig-in, where a backhoe for examplecan pull on the underground wire, and with enough force will disengageit from the in-line connector thereby de-energizing it and minimizingthe hazard sooner than if there were no break-away. Placement is similarto overhead: with the line-side close to the source to de-energize asmuch of the affected wire as reasonably possible.

The strain release connectors of the described embodiments serve tobridge two pieces of wire/messenger together. Each conductor has its ownstrain adjustment screw to be released so that the wire can be releasedaccordingly to prevent damage and/or a hazardous situation. This basicdesign is appropriate to all wire types and sizes commonly utilized bythe electric utility industry. The in-line connector (FIG. 4) is crimpedinto place on its line side (the adjustable tension is on the load side)and due to the crimp on the wire, is not removable. The block strainrelease connectors (FIGS. 2 and 3) are a clamp; sandwich-bolted at allfour corners (or two opposite sides) onto the host wire with a fixedclamping force on the line side (messenger or conductor that fits in thegroove or channel) and intended to be mechanically permanent until it isintentionally mechanically moved or removed (the adjustable clampingforce is on the load side at the ports for the service cables).

Each product is appropriate to be utilized with every needed cable sizesuch as up to 600 volts for secondary distribution and services as wellas any conductor cable carrying more than 600 volts such as for primarydistribution and services, transmission circuits, as well as forunderground cables of any voltage, including the neutral/messengercables for each system configuration. The products would be sizedappropriate to all typical wire diameters, and with tie-in provisionsfor wire connections typical to that application.

An objective for these devices is to have each cable's conductorsdisconnect or come apart at the strain relief point when excessivestrain such as from a storm or car-pole accident, etc., is placed on thecable, thereby avoiding or minimizing, localizing, or isolating theextent of damage to adjacent poles or building attachment hardware whileenabling the wire to detach from the network de-energized. Placementclose to the line-side pole is appropriate for the in-line embodiment.The blocks can be installed where best makes sense for the service tapsto be. This safe release will also allow the source (utility power) sideof the cable to remain energized and working by keeping it intact,isolated from the fault. These connectors are appropriate to beinstalled at every service location whether primary or secondary voltageand for every customer type (e.g., industrial, commercial orresidential, etc.). These devices improve public safety, utilityreliability and preserve property on both sides of the connector.

The load side torque tension (for all devices-block and in-line) shouldfollow the priority order relative to the type of wire it is installedon: conductors (phases) should be secured with less tension to releasefirst; messenger/ground/neutral cables should be secured with moretension to release last. Wire length and material (copper, aluminum,etc.) will factor into its mass weight and corresponding torque-poundincrements. The neutral/ground/messenger should release last for thefollowing reasons: it is holding the weight of the energized conductorsor service cables under normal conditions, it carries the return currenton the network, serves as a ground for faults, lighting strikes, etc.,and is important to proper operation of appliances, electronics, andlighting. A principle of this setup is to reassure that theneutral/ground/messenger always goes on/is installed first and willdisconnect last, so that no service will have energized conductorswithout a proper ground/neutral.

Each of the strain release connectors will have an available cap orcover (for the block: hinged with male-female interlock withappropriately coordinated x-shaped pre-scored opening for the wire to bepushed through; and for the in-line: tubular sleeve to match the shapeof the in-line connector) for use when using it on energized conductorsthat protects the entire block from weather, energized contact, andshort-circuiting.

In the described embodiments, the exemplary strain release connectorsserve to prevent a broken energized wire from reaching the ground.Placement of the in-line connector (FIGS. 4A and 4B) serves to break arunning wire (such as from pole-to-pole as part of the utility network)leaving a short energized tail between the connector and the pole. Theenergized tail remaining on the pole needs to be short enough not toflail around and cause arcing by hitting into other conductors, etc. Theblocks (FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3), on the other hand, act as a servicetake-off, where the device is attached to the wire that runspole-to-pole, and a service cable is fitted into the cylinder-shapedport on the device in order to supply a customer, where the entireservice cable will break away de-energized but the running network wirewill remain intact and energized.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A strain release connector for an overheadelectrical wire comprising: a first connector part securable to theoverhead electrical wire with a fixed clamping force; and a secondconnector part cooperable with the first connector part and securable toa service cable with an adjustable clamping force, the second connectorpart including at least one strain adjustment screw for modifying theadjustable clamping force, wherein the adjustable clamping force is setby the at least one strain adjustment screw such that the secondconnector part is configured to release the service cable upon anapplication of a predetermined tension force, the adjustable clampingforce being set based on the predetermined tension force, wherein thefirst connector part comprises a two-piece block that sandwiches theoverhead electrical wire, the two-piece block being secured byconnectors, and wherein the second connector part is formed along atleast part of a perimeter of the two-piece block, the second connectorpart including a plurality of strain adjustment screws respectivelysecuring a corresponding plurality of service cables.
 2. The strainrelease connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the pieces ofthe two-piece block comprises a groove, the grooves oriented in facingalignment to define an elongated channel, and wherein the overheadelectrical wire is securable in the elongated channel.
 3. The strainrelease connector according to claim 1, wherein the second connectorpart further comprises a plurality of service ports with wire endstherein releasably coupled with the two-piece block and secured by theplurality of strain adjustment screws in direct contact compression onthe wire ends.
 4. A strain release connector for an overhead electricalwire comprising: a first connector part securable to the overheadelectrical wire with a fixed clamping force; and a second connector partcooperable with the first connector part and securable to a servicecable with an adjustable clamping force, the second connector partincluding at least one strain adjustment screw for modifying theadjustable clamping force, wherein the adjustable clamping force is setby the at least one strain adjustment screw such that the secondconnector part is configured to release the service cable upon anapplication of a predetermined tension force, the adjustable clampingforce being set based on the predetermined tension force, wherein thefirst connector part comprises a two-piece block that sandwiches theoverhead electrical wire, the two-piece block being secured byconnectors, and wherein the second connector part is formed along atleast part of a perimeter of the two-piece block, the second connectorpart including a single strain adjustment screw securing a correspondingsingle service cable.
 5. A strain release connector for an overheadelectrical wire comprising: a first connector part securable to theoverhead electrical wire with a fixed clamping force; and a secondconnector part cooperable with the first connector part and securable toa service cable with an adjustable clamping force, the second connectorpart including at least one strain adjustment screw for modifying theadjustable clamping force, wherein the adjustable clamping force is setby the at least one strain adjustment screw such that the secondconnector part is configured to release the service cable upon anapplication of a predetermined tension force, wherein the firstconnector part and the second connector part are integrated in oppositeends of a conductor sleeve.
 6. The strain release connector according toclaim 5, wherein the first connector part is configured to receive theoverhead electrical wire and includes a crimp section for locking theoverhead electrical wire therein, and wherein the second connector partis configured to receive and releasably secure the service cable withthe strain adjustment screw.
 7. An overhead electrical wire assemblycomprising: an electrical pole; an electric wire secured to the pole; aservice cable connected with the electric wire and coupleable with aservice location; and a strain release connector connected between theelectric wire and the service cable, the strain release connectorincluding: a first connector part secured to the electric wire with afixed clamping force; and a second connector part cooperable with thefirst connector part and secured to the service cable with an adjustableclamping force, the second connector part including at least one strainadjustment screw for modifying the adjustable clamping force, whereinthe adjustable clamping force is set by the at least one strainadjustment screw such that the second connector part is configured torelease the service cable upon an application of a predetermined tensionforce, the adjustable clamping force being set based on thepredetermined tension force, wherein the service cable comprises aload-side extension of the electric wire, and wherein when the servicecable is released upon the application of the predetermined tensionforce, current in the service cable is disconnected, wherein the firstconnector part comprises a two-piece block that sandwiches the overheadelectrical wire, the two-piece block being secured by connectors, andwherein the second connector part is formed along at least part of aperimeter of the two-piece block, the second connector part including aplurality of strain adjustment screws respectively securing acorresponding plurality of service cables.
 8. The overhead electricalwire assembly according to claim 7, wherein each of the pieces of thetwo-piece block comprises a groove, the grooves oriented in facingalignment to define an elongated channel, and wherein the overheadelectrical wire is secured in the elongated channel.
 9. The overheadelectrical wire assembly according to claim 7, wherein the secondconnector part further comprises a plurality of service ports with wireends therein releasably coupled with the two-piece block and secured bythe plurality of strain adjustment screws in direct contact compressionon the wire ends.
 10. An overhead electrical wire assembly comprising:an electrical pole; an electric wire secured to the pole; a servicecable connected with the electric wire and coupleable with a servicelocation; and a strain release connector connected between the electricwire and the service cable, the strain release connector including: afirst connector part secured to the electric wire with a fixed clampingforce; and a second connector part cooperable with the first connectorpart and secured to the service cable with an adjustable clamping force,the second connector part including at least one strain adjustment screwfor modifying the adjustable clamping force, wherein the adjustableclamping force is set by the at least one strain adjustment screw suchthat the second connector part is configured to release the servicecable upon an application of a predetermined tension force, theadjustable clamping force being set based on the predetermined tensionforce, wherein the service cable comprises a load-side extension of theelectric wire, and wherein when the service cable is released upon theapplication of the predetermined tension force, current in the servicecable is disconnected, wherein the first connector part comprises atwo-piece block that sandwiches the overhead electrical wire, thetwo-piece block being secured by connectors, and wherein the secondconnector part is formed along at least part of a perimeter of thetwo-piece block, the second connector part including a single strainadjustment screw securing a corresponding single service cable.
 11. Anoverhead electrical wire assembly comprising: an electrical pole; anelectric wire secured to the pole; a service cable connected with theelectric wire and coupleable with a service location; and a strainrelease connector connected between the electric wire and the servicecable, the strain release connector including: a first connector partsecured to the electric wire with a fixed clamping force; and a secondconnector part cooperable with the first connector part and secured tothe service cable with an adjustable clamping force, the secondconnector part including at least one strain adjustment screw formodifying the adjustable clamping force, wherein the adjustable clampingforce is set by the at least one strain adjustment screw such that thesecond connector part is configured to release the service cable upon anapplication of a predetermined tension force, the adjustable clampingforce being set based on the predetermined tension force, wherein theservice cable comprises a load-side extension of the electric wire, andwherein when the service cable is released upon the application of thepredetermined tension force, current in the service cable isdisconnected, wherein the first connector part and the second connectorpart are integrated in opposite ends of a conductor sleeve.
 12. Theoverhead electrical wire assembly according to claim 11, wherein thefirst connector part is configured to receive the overhead electricalwire and includes a crimp section for locking the overhead electricalwire therein, and wherein the second connector part is configured toreceive and releasably secure the service cable with the strainadjustment screw.
 13. The overhead electrical wire assembly according toclaim 11, wherein the electric wire includes the load-side extension andan energized line side, and wherein placement of the strain releaseconnector relative to the electrical pole is such that when the servicecable is released upon the application of the predetermined tensionforce, the energized line side is not ground accessible and is shortenough to prevent contact with other grounded pole attachments.